New Student Navigator

About the University

At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission: We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

About Distance Education

Distance Education provides an entirely asynchronous, online learning experience that adapts to the unique circumstances of each student. Our fully accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as non-degree credits, empower learners to shape their own educational journey. With 8 five-week terms for undergraduates and 5 eight-week terms for graduate students, our model offers unparalleled flexibility. You can learn at your own pace and take breaks as needed. By using your everyday environment as your laboratory, you'll integrate your studies into your daily life. This makes our education ideal for busy professionals who seek to advance their careers while still honoring their commitments. We are committed to empowering our students to become the changemakers our world needs, wherever they are.

About the Role

The New Student Navigator plays a key role in supporting Distance Education students through the initial stages of their academic journey while addressing any potential obstacles along the way. Acting as the first point of contact, the New Student Navigator provides guidance on financial aid and payments, account activation, course readiness, career outcomes, and additional resources relevant to the student experience at Unity. They communicate via email, text, phone, and video calls, and help new students choose their degree path and complete all necessary steps prior to matriculation, while maintaining accurate student records.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed application to matriculation conversion goals.
• Become knowledgeable and articulate about Unity Environmental University Distance Education, its programs, market niche, strategies, policies and procedures.
• Understand how to work with non-traditional and adult learners.
• Engage new students through phone contact within 24 hours of handoff.
• Maintain student enthusiasm for Unity Distance Education from application through Week 2 of the first term, or throughout the lifecycle of non-degree students.
• Proactively assist students with Unity accounts (Student Portal, Canvas, Unity email, etc.).
• Provide timely and accurate responses to student inquiries, not to exceed 24 business hours.
• Offer program-specific guidance on career outcomes, course requirements, and completion timelines.
• Assist students with financial aid and funding options (e.g. Federal Aid, Military Benefits, other 3rd parties).
• Maintain accurate student records using the University CRM/SIS.
• Participate in regular training sessions, including cross-training to provide support and backfill at any stage of the student lifecycle during high-demand periods.
• Work with Distance Education staff and leaders to develop strategies for effective onboarding and conversion efforts.
• Maintain appropriate records and submit timely reports on all retention activities as needed.
• Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.
• Attend Institution events such as orientations, open houses, graduation, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in direct customer support, sales/recruitment, or account management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create personal connections with students through various mediums (text, email, video).
• Skilled in managing caseloads, planned engagement, and accurate record keeping, maintaining efficiency with multiple contacts.
• Excellent initiative with ability to work both autonomously and in a team with great time management skills.
• Willingness to work with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities.
• Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well-poised.
• Valid Maine Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Salesforce.
• Experience in Finance, Financial Literacy Coaching, or Financial Aid.
• Knowledge of labor market and/or career outcomes for degree holders.

Location

Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine. Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, The Technical School for Environmental Professions, and the School of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.

Schedule

Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours may be required as needed. Unity Environmental University employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the institution's needs. Although generally scheduled to work at their base location, employees may be required to travel to attend events, meetings, or work temporary assignments at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand or walk.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, and fine manipulation is required, as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Benefits

• Paid holidays off.
• 4 weeks of PTO.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Short- and Long-term disability.
• Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match.
• Relocation Assistance.